The Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty game on May 24, 2025, sparked controversy due to officiating inconsistencies.
Indiana was called for 27 fouls, nearly double that of New York. Caitlin Clark received two questionable fouls early, forcing her to sit out much of the first quarter.
Fever head coach Stephanie White was frustrated and received a technical foul for protesting a missed call.
Fans reacted strongly online, calling the officiating “rigged” and an “embarrassment” to the league.
Former WNBA players also voiced concerns and said:
Something didn’t feel right about that game, The officiating wasn’t just inconsistent, it felt manipulated.
WNBA Fires Three Referees Following Bribery Investigation!
The WNBA fired three referees after an investigation revealed their involvement in a bribery scandal during the Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty game.
The league found that these officials had received undisclosed financial incentives allegedly tied to the outcome of the game.
The WNBA released a statement:
Following a thorough review, the WNBA has terminated the employment of three referees for actions that directly violated our integrity protocols. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
As a result, they were immediately dismissed. This controversy erupted in late May 2025, making it one of the biggest integrity crises in WNBA history.
While the WNBA has not publicly named the referees, the scandal has sparked outrage among fans.
Fans of the Indiana Fever have been demanding a replay of the game, citing unfair officiating that heavily favored the Liberty.
Additionally, a petition was launched, garnering over 250,000 signatures in under 48 hours, urging the WNBA to review the match and consider a rematch.
The Fever’s official social media pages were flooded with comments, all calling for accountability and justice following the controversial game.
One of the frustrated users wrote:
This was bigger than just a few bad calls. This was theft. Replay the game. Our players and our fans deserve better.
Despite the backlash, the WNBA has not granted a replay, maintaining that the game result will stand, saying:
While the actions of these officials violated league conduct policies and will be dealt with accordingly, the outcome of the game will not be altered. The WNBA does not currently have a mechanism for replaying completed contests, regardless of officiating errors.
The WNBA has not launched an official investigation into the matter, and the petition for a replay has not led to any action.
